Wind, Rain, Snow In Forecast For Inland Region Sunday And Monday

RIVERSIDE, CA — Moderate to heavy precipitation and high winds were walloping the Inland Empire Sunday, prompting a flood watch for some areas.

"Showers should begin Saturday night, but it looks like the bulk of the rain will fall on Sunday, as a cold front sweeps across the region," the National Weather Service said.

The agency posted a flood watch through Sunday afternoon, mainly within the San Gorgonio Pass and around the mountain slopes in the San Bernardino National Forest, where "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying flood-prone locations."

A wind advisory is also in effect from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday for downtown Riverside, Temecula and Hemet. The advisory will remain in effect until 8 a.m. Monday for the areas of Coachella Valley and Palm Springs. The NWS noted that southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph are anticipated, with gusts around 45 mph in some locations.

According to prognostication charts published by the agency, the bulk of the inclement weather will overlay the region Sunday, with lingering impacts going into Monday, mostly at the higher elevations.

"A high snow level, over 7,000 feet initially, will keep the main heavy snow threat above 6,500 feet, but some snow will accumulate at lower elevations, between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, through Monday," the weather service said. "Showers will be more scattered behind the front through Monday night."

High temperatures in the Riverside metropolitan area were stalled in the mid 50s Sunday and were barely expected to climb above 50 degrees Monday, remaining below 60 for the remainder of the week, according to forecasters. Lows will drop into the 30s on Sunday night and trend below 40 for the next several days.

In the Coachella Valley, the daytime mercury will stay at or near 60 degrees, with lows around 40 on Sunday and for most of the upcoming week. The temperature band in the Temecula Valley will be virtually identical to the Riverside area next week, according to the NWS.

According to meteorologists, the trough of low-pressure supporting the storm system will churn up snow and ice storms, thunderstorms and other rough weather throughout the nation's midsection next week.

—City News Service